the Evelyn top-a tutorial

I made this top the other day for Sadie…and it ended up fitting Charlotte! lol. Most of the time it’s the other way around. (I tend to make things bigger than they need to be, I am constantly and irrationally scared that things will be too small when making stuff for C)

I named it after my newest baby niece, Evelyn. She is adorable, and a sweetie pie…and I know this even though I haven’t met her yet because, how could she not be? Babies are the best. (yes I’m a bit baby hungry lately as you saw on Friday’s post!)

Anyways, it ended up fitting Charlotte almost perfectly! The neckline is a bit wide on her, but it’s not too bad. Kind of an 80’s look? huh huh…hmm. maybe not. eh. I’m over it.

The fabric is High Society by Anthology – Zinnia in Mustard.

I love the kangaroo pocket on the front, and so did Charlotte. They’re great for stashing Pez in. Yes, we’ve created another Pez-loving monster. Sigh. and then brush brush brush those teeth.

You’ll need:1-2 yard cotton woven fabric (depending on the size)coordinating fabric to make into bias tape, or pre made bias tapeshirt to make the pattern withthread3/8″ elasticbutton

First off, I folded my top in half and traced around the tee, but made it wider in the sides. (note: I used a 3T top thinking it would fit Sadie, it did but was a bit short. So keep in mind to lengthen the bodice more if you want it to be more of a tunic length.)

Where I wanted the elastic waist to hit, I folded up the shirt and drew a line. Then I drew the bottom portion, the side at a bit of an A-line. Make sure to add 5/8″ seam allowance to the two pieces where they match up and an extra inch or so on the bottom for hemming.

This is to show where the pattern extended. I didn’t add enough seam allowance though on this pattern. Do as I say….not as I do?

Then I used my ruler to straighten my lines and cut out the pattern.

tada! Like I said, add seam allowance to the pieces!

Then I used the armhole on the bodice to trace a sleeve pattern. (the top is the fold of course)

This is how I make my sleeve patterns-this one will have some gathering. Hope this pic helps!

Then trace the kangaroo flap again, and draw a swoopy bit like this (very scientific name) for the pocket.

Then I cut out 2 bodice pieces on the fold, one with the back neckline and one with the front. Then cut out 2 sleeves on the fold, and 2 kangaroo pieces on the fold, then 1 more with the pocket cut out.

Then I created a button closure (directions here), sewed the shoulder seams together, and gathered the front of the neckline a little since it was cut wider than I normally would.

Then I basted the pocket piece to one of the other pieces along the sides.

Next I pinned and sewed the sides of the bodice and sleeves together, then finished the seams.

Then I sewed and finished the seams for the sides of the pocket pieces.

It’s easier to hem it right now, also!

Then pin the pieces right sides together, they should fit just right, if not, wiggle it around til it’s close enough-it’ll be gathered so will hide small lumps & bumps.

Oh, and make sure to sew the front pocket and front bodice pieces together, and the back ones as well. It would stink to sew the pockets on to the back! lol

Then sew the top and pocket piece together with a 5/8″ seam.

Then sew a casing along the top of the seam you just sewed, folding out the bottom so that the top is laying flat. I hope this makes sense! Leave a space open for your elastic.

Cut your elastic to fit the kiddos waist (mine was 20″ so it would fit loosely), then thread through the casing and sew the ends together, then sew the casing shut. Sew on the button for the closure, and a bow on the front if desired.

You’ve done it again!! I’ve love all the little details on this – the bow & pockets are just too cute. My little girl has had a major growth spurt so I have a legitimate excuse to make new clothes for her, yay! And what she needs the most is tops, so I definitely think we’ll head to the fabric store tomorrow.

You created a very cute top for a very cute little girl! Your kangaroo pocket is a smart and stylish addition. Children – and even adults – love pockets. Great job – going to print out the picture of your sweet thing and make some for my granddaughters!

This elastic waistband effect is really saving the day! We are making peasant dresses for girls in Uganda, but need to adjust them to fit better for older girls. This will do the trick, I believe! I just made a doll prototype and it looks great! Thanks!!

I made this today. Took me 6 hours. Had to do a little bit of un-stitching because it was too tight around the arms and couldn’t get it off without a screaming 2 year old. I feel like this was the biggest project I have ever done, but I feel sooo accomplished now. I also learnt soo many things about sewing and just using my machine, in general, which I have had for 2 years hahaha. Thankyou for an amazing tutorial! I would never have thought up something so creative and detailed. It was a lot of fun (: I am going to attempt it again in a different pattern next time, and make it a little bit wider and a bit longer (: